The Game LLC was announced as the UAE Lottery Operator at the same time that the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority launched its website. This gives a good overview of the executive board, which is responsible for bringing online and land-based gaming, lottery and other forms of gambling to the United Arab Emirates.
In September 2023, the GCGRA, which oversees regulation in the Emirates, was created. However, the only people involved at that time were Jim Murren, the chairman, and Kevin Mullally, the chief executive.
The regulator has now confirmed the entire board of directors as well as all C-level executives in key positions. The regulator made its biggest decision in selecting The Game LLC as the operator of UAE Lottery.
Who is on the GCGRA Board?
The board is led by former MGM Resorts Chief Executive Murren and includes a host of industry leaders.
Nick Casiello
He is a lawyer and former leader of Fox Rothschild’s gaming department. In addition, he serves as a board member of IAGA (International Association of Gaming Advisors).
William Grounds
Grounds, who was previously president and COO at Infinity World Development Corp., a Dubai-owned company that played a role in developing CityCenter Las Vegas as well as sat on MGM Resorts’ board, is also a director for PointsBet.
Mark Lipparelli
Former Nevada Gaming Control Board Chair, also chairman of Galaxy Gaming & casino operator Golden Entertainment.
Giovanni Lega
Lega is the founder and managing partner of LCA. She has worked on M&A transactions, gaming, and real estate.
John Kelly
Kelly, a partner in the London-based law firm Harbottle & Lewis is described by her colleagues as an expert on reputation protection, privacy and data protection. She represents high-profile companies and clients around the globe.
Chris O’Donnell
O’Donnell, a real estate and investments specialist, is the managing director at CNN Advisory. Formerly, he was a Director of CityCenter Holdings Las Vegas.
iGB has learned that the board visited Wynn Ras Al-Khaimah’s site.
Executive team of the UAE Gambling Regulator
The GCGRA executive team is also confirmed, including the chief executive Kevin Mullally, who assumed the position in September of last year after departing Gaming Laboratories International.
All of the executives in Abu Dhabi’s C-suite have held key positions at high-profile Abu Dhabi institutions.
Ahmed Barakat is the chief operating officer
Former banker with experience at Credit Suisse Merrill Lynch, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Merrill Lynch.
Manuela Croci is the chief investigator and supervisor of FCP.
Formerly, I was the head of compliance and internal audit at Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.
Ourouba Al Arab, General Counsel and Board Secretary
El Arab has also worked at First Abu Dhabi Bank and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.
Leina ElBarasi is the chief financial officer
Formerly, the head of planning and budgeting for Abu Dhabi Media Company.
Carlos Gutierrez is the Chief Information Officer
As general manager of TEC Evolution Technologies, I provided solutions to sectors such as banking, healthcare, and aerospace.
Dina Helal is the chief human resource officer
Helal worked in a variety of banks. Most recently, he was SVP of First Abu Dhabi Bank and the head of policies and employee relations.
